It was not entirely true, but it was enough.
Francesca studied her sister for a long moment before quietly asking, "Is this why you have been cautious?"
Penelope's shoulders relaxed, grateful for her understanding. Others would have assumed her detachment as jealousy, but Francesca was different.
"Yes," She said.
Francesca sighed. "I know you're trying to protect me…"
"I am," She cut in. "But I was also trying to prevent you from being swept into something you did not understand,"
The young lady smiled faintly in understanding, and nodded. "You know you could have told me."
"I know," Penelope admitted, feeling guilty. "I simply did not want to frighten you,"
There was a brief silence between the two sisters. Francesca suddenly rose from her seat and approached her.
Seating beside her, she reached across the small space between them and placed her hand over Penelope's. "You did not frighten me," She said. "I was merely concerned,"
